I often hear people tell me that they just don't know where to start with their business goals or express feelings of overwhelm and stress with what to do next. Good news is that it happens to the best of us! I too have experienced those melt down moments in my own business. I've have those days when nothing seems to be working and no matter how hard you try, you can't seem to get clear on what needs to be done. Here is a simple strategy I use to help me deal with lack of focus and motivation in my business. I hope it helps you to gain some clarity for your own business goals and gives you a 'go-to' in times of need!

1. Take a step back. Allocate a chunk of time, I’d recommend no less than an hour, to get some serious perspective. We so often get caught up in the doing part that we forget to invest time in creation part of business. Get rid of all distractions (phones, emails, TV, partners, children, social media, food, Netflix etc.) grab a good old fashion pen and paper and do the following exercises.

2. Write a list of everything you want. Don’t hold back. Allow yourself to dream big and really picture the life of your dreams. You are the only one responsible for creating your ideal life, if you don’t do it, who will? Here are some questions you might like to consider…

what hours do you want to work?

where do you want to work in the world?

how many days do you want to work?

how much do you want to earn per week/month/year?

how many holidays do you want to have per year?

how many days do you want off per week?

do you want people working for you?

how do you want people to describe your business?

what milestones would you like to hit?

how much money do you want to have saved?

do you want to give back with your business/success?

what change do you want to make in the world?

do you want investments and passive income providing income for you?

3. Make a list of what you are prepared to give in exchange for your dream life. The idea is to get clear on what kind of work you are prepared to do. The last thing you want to do is to create another ‘job’ for yourself. I believe that working for yourself means you get to do what you love. Be careful not to fall into the trap of doing shit just because an opportunity came along (Guilty! HINT: It never ends well). Here are a few questions you might like to consider to help you work out what kind of business you want to be running…

What are you prepared to give?

your time

amazing customer service

high quality

cheaper prices

exclusivity

large quantities

advice

local products

rarity

an experience

expensive taste

practical solutions

fun

community

4. What needs to be in place in order to make your dream a reality? The next step is to piece it all together. In order for your dreams to become a reality, what do you need to do? If you're going to offer an product or service, what do you need to do to make that happen? (e.g website, sample run, branding, pricing, stockists, social media accounts etc.) Perhaps your current business model doesn't actually fit in the scope of what you are prepared to give. In that case I would encourage you to cull. Don’t be afraid to peel back the layers and revamp your business so that it aligns with the life you want to live. Make a list of EVERYTHING you can think of, get it out of your head and put it on the paper. This will become your master list.

5. List 3 things you can do in the next 7 days to move you in the direction of your dreams. This is where the magic happens! The difference between people with ideas and people with successful businesses is, ACTION! The list you made in step #4 could potentially overwhelm you, don't freak out. The goal here is to break it down into bite size pieces. You might like to go back and rearrange your master list into a logical or urgent order. From there, select just 3 things you can take action on in the next 7 days. Don’t forget to cross them off your master list once you’ve done them, there is a phycological benefit to doing this action.

The reason is that whenever you recognise a task or project as completed, your brain releases a load of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that is responsible for generating feelings of accomplishment, satisfaction and happiness. This release of dopamine not only makes you feel good but also motivates you to continue completing tasks and extend that pleasant feeling.

- Francisco Sáez

Repeat step #5 every week.

**Apply Steps 1-5 in times of stress, overwhelm, anxiety, worry, boredom or just because.